Romanian tennis star Simona Halep has announced that she will not be participating in the upcoming tournaments in Australia and New Zealand due to a persistent knee injury. The former world No. 1, who recently made a comeback after an 18-month doping ban, has been struggling with this injury since her return to the court.
Halep, who received a wildcard entry into the Australian Open qualifying draw, expressed her disappointment in a heartfelt message to her fans on Instagram. “For a few months now, I have been struggling with a knee injury. It’s an injury I have never had before and it has been a tough one to manage, with the pain persisting. I have decided to take the time needed to recover properly, rather than training and playing through pain.”
The 33-year-old tennis star had hoped to compete in the Australian Open, a tournament where she has had significant success in the past, including reaching the finals in 2018. However, her injury has forced her to prioritize her health and recovery over immediate competition.
Halep’s decision to withdraw from the tournaments comes after a challenging year marked by her return to professional tennis and ongoing physical struggles. Despite her determination to get back to peak performance, the knee injury has proven to be a significant obstacle.
Fans and fellow players have expressed their support for Halep, acknowledging the difficulty of her situation and wishing her a speedy recovery. The tennis community remains hopeful that Halep will be able to return to the court stronger and healthier in the future.
As Halep focuses on her rehabilitation, the tennis world will be eagerly awaiting her return, hoping to see her once again showcase the exceptional talent and resilience that have defined her career.
Simona Halep in 2024
Ranked world no.877, Halep played her last match on the 28th of October when she lost to world no.49 Yue Yuan 6-3 6-3 in the 1st round in Hong Kong (draw).
This year Simona owns an overall 1-4 win-loss record.
